NEW YORK-Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Xircom Inc., Intel Corp., Santa Clara, Calif., will begin selling in August two new wireless local area network products, a base station for home and small offices and a module for the Palm m500 series handheld computers.
The Intel Wireless Gateway, based on the 802.11b specification, combines an access point, a router, a firewall and 128-bit encryption into one unit with a suggested retail price of $300. Its Web-based software permits installation within several minutes.
WiFi-certified for interoperability with other wireless LAN products, the Gateway can support a network of up to 32 desktop, laptop and handheld computers.
“Intel helped design and lay the building blocks for Ethernet, and as Ethernet continues to expand into new areas such as wireless LANs, we will work closely with our customers to deliver products that enhance mobile freedom,” said Sam Bass, general manager of the Xircom Mobile Communications Division.
The new Xircom Wireless LAN Module, which will have a suggested retail price of $300, snaps onto the back of the Palm m500 handheld devices and employs plug-and-play software for quick installation.
The module, based on Cisco Systems Inc. WLAN technology, provides users of these devices with high-speed, wireless access to the Internet, e-mail or network databases. It also can establish peer-to-peer connections with other wireless LAN devices.
“The Xircom Wireless LAN Module will greatly expand the functionality of the Palm m500 series by offering users the flexibility to move freely throughout the office or corporate campus with real-time information access,” said Barry Cottle, chief Internet officer of Palm Inc.
